Cox: Players are playing for future

As we head into the last six matches of the campaign, manager Paul Cox says there is pressure on his players to perform in their bid to earn new contracts for next season.

Speaking at this morning’s news conference, the manager said that ‘the majority’ of his squad were out-of-contract at the end of the season.

“Players need to know that they’re playing for contracts for next season," said Cox.

"There’ll be a lot of players out of work in the summer. I’m looking to finish the season well and for the players to really put themselves in the frame for next season, and to impress."

“I love my players, they’ve been great to work with this season, but I don’t want this club to stand still. There are some tough decisions [to be made], but ultimately they will be in the players’ laps. I want to see drive, mental capacity, desire and hunger to improve from where we are this season.

“Anything can happen between now and the end of the season. Somebody who maybe isn’t in my plans at the minute could end the season on a high and make me think differently.

“Supporters will be paying to watch us home and away and they deserve for us to finish the season well. There’s pressure on myself and the players to perform. Everyone is playing for their futures and that’s an important statement that I want to make."

"I will be looking at the camp to see who wants to finish strongly. If anyone wants to take their foot off the pedal then they won’t be playing, it’s as simple as that. We’re paid to play right until the end of the season. “

In other news, midfielder Anthony Howell collected his tenth yellow card of the season during Saturday’s win against AFC Wimbledon and will miss the next two matches through suspension.